How are health care providers maintaining patient records? Are these means efficient or detrimental? According to recent studies, more than 80% of medical offices use electronic health records (EHRs). Despite these technological changes, there are still major disadvantages of electronic health records. Here’s why this trending technology isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Key Disadvantages of Electronic Health Records
Studies show that not everyone is satisfied with EHR. Unfortunately, there are some definite weaknesses this system faces. Here are the main concerns of health care professionals and patients.
People Don’t Like Using Them
While EHR systems may seem like they’d make things easier, for many, they’re more frustrating. Patients often have more difficulty accessing their health records through EHR systems.
To access their records, they’ll need to remember the username and password. Then they’ll still need to navigate the system to find the information they need.
But they’re not the only ones frustrated with the change. Many doctors say if they could assign a grade their EHR system, they’d give it an F (here’s why).
Patient Information Can Get Lost or Changed
Some medical offices made the fatal mistake of eliminating paper documents in their offices when they moved to EHR systems. If these systems crash, life-saving information might be erased permanently.
In some cases, EHR systems have even changed and altered patient information, resulting in costly EHR lawsuits. This lack of dependability makes many question how useful an EHR really is.
You May Be Using More Paper
Despite going the electronic route, there’s a chance your office is using the same amount of paper, if not more. Because information is at risk of being lost in EHR systems, many offices continue to print out patient files as a backup solution.
When providing information to a patient or medical office, you’re also still going to need to print out the information and fax it. That fax will then be printed out in another office, resulting in already two hard copies. Clearly, this system isn’t saving as much paper as it claims.
Cloud-Based EHR Solutions
It’s clear that an EHR needs some improvement. Fortunately, the newest patient record technology eliminates previous challenges. Cloud-based patient record systems are far easier to use and ensure that records will always be attainable.
Many medical offices are choosing Netsuite to optimize their patient record systems. By using one database, Netsuite provides timely and accurate information consistently – no matter where you are.
It’s known to be more user-friendly than many other HR systems and provides technical assistance to users when they need it. If you’re looking to improve your EHR system, this netsuite pricing site is helpful in finding the best solution for your medical office.
Optimize Your Record System
While they’re improving, there are still disadvantages of electronic health records. Netsuite and other cloud-based systems are likely going to be the next big step in EHR solutions due to their advanced capabilities.
By optimizing patient-provider communications and consistently updating internal information, they ensure that only the most accurate information is in your hands.
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